The Western Australian Government has released more details on its upcoming Battery Rebate Scheme, announced earlier this year as part of its election commitments.

Applications for the rebates and loans are not yet open.

Batteries installed before the commencement of the WA Battery Scheme will not be eligible for the rebate or loan funding.

Confirmation of the commencement date is yet to be released.

The scheme will support up to 100,000 households and align with the recently announced Federal Battery Installation Rebate Scheme.

Energy Policy WA is holding an industry forum for installers on Tuesday 17 June –

• In Person Session: 09:30 – 11:30am at the WA State Library Theatre
• Webinar: 1 – 3PM online.

Please register your attendance by clicking on the relevant link above.

Warning to Installers

While full details of the scheme are yet to be released, WA’s Building and Energy Department has issued the following warning:

“Companies who have taken deposits and promised specific equipment, delivery times, prices, or access to the rebate and are unable to fulfil these promises once details are confirmed may find themselves dealing with Consumer Protection. Companies who are not approved as Scheme participant would need to provide a full refund and release the customer from any contract”

 

$ Rebate Value $

WA State-based rebates are as follows:

	WA Rebate Value	WA + Federal Rebate Combined
Synergy	Up to $1,300 ($130 per kWh of battery capacity)	Up to $5,000 towards the cost of a 10kWh battery
Horizon	Up to $3,800 ($380 per kWh of battery capacity)	Up to $7,500 towards the cost of a 10kWh battery

 

$ Loan Value $

Loans will also be available and include the following features:

• Up to $10,000
• Zero interest
• Available for households with a combined income of less than $210,000
• Maximum 10-year repayment period

Loans can be used for batteries and new or upgraded equipment such as inverters and solar panels, as long as they are installed with a battery.

Installer Eligibility Requirements

To be a battery installer under the system, you must:

• Have Grid Connected Battery System (GCBS) accreditation via Solar Accreditation Australia (this will checked at the point of the battery retailer claiming a rebate).
• Be familiar with relevant industry standards and practices as outlined by Building and Energy Western Australia
• Installations are subject to safety compliance audit regime with inspections being conducted after the payment of rebate and loan funding assistance.
• Be compliant with the relevant technical requirements

Battery Eligibility Requirements

The batteries you install but me from retailers that meet the following criteria:

• Approved sellers under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC)
• Passed appropriate due diligence checks to register with WA Residential Battery Scheme
• Undertake training to participate in the Scheme.
• Are meeting installers that meeting the installer criteria.

A list of approved retailers is likely to be released.

Eligible Battery Systems

• New, additional and replacement battery systems, with minimum 5kWh storage capacity will be eligible.
• New, additional and replacement solar panels will also be eligible for loan funding assistance where they are installed as part of a package involving installation of a battery system.
• Battery systems will need to demonstrate Virtual Power Plant readiness, i.e. that the system can connect to the electricity grid and respond to signals. This readiness will also include a requirement for an ongoing internet connection, with regular testing (and be compliant with Synergy/Horizon Powers’ respective technical requirements)
• To be eligible for the WA Battery Scheme, customers will need to participate in a VPP product.

For more information on the scheme, visit the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety page here.